Complete Guide: How to Apply for Gazette Name Change in India (Online & Offline Process)

Your name is more than just a word — it is your legal identity. Whether you are changing your name after marriage, correcting a spelling mistake, adopting a new surname, or making a personal or religious change, it is essential to make the change legally valid across all official records.

In India, the Gazette Notification for Name Change is the most authoritative and permanent legal proof of a name change. Without it, most government departments, banks, educational institutions, and passport authorities will not accept your updated name.

This professionally curated guide explains everything you need to know about Gazette Name Change in India — from eligibility and documents to step-by-step procedures, government fees, timelines, common mistakes, and FAQs. After reading this guide, you won’t need to visit any other website.

What Is a Gazette Notification for Name Change?

A Gazette Notification for Name Change is an official public notice published by the Government of India announcing that a person has legally changed their name. Once published, it becomes a permanent government record and acts as valid proof for updating all documents.

There are two types of gazettes in India:

• State Gazette – Issued by State Governments

• Central Gazette – Issued by the Government of India

For universal acceptance across India, the Central Gazette is always recommended.

🔗 Learn more here: Gazette notification for name change

Example:
If your old name was Rahul Kumar and you want to change it to Rahul Sharma, the new name will be officially published in the Gazette. This Gazette notification allows you to update your Aadhaar card, passport, PAN card, bank records, and other documents.

Who Can Apply for a Gazette Name Change?

The Gazette name change process is open to:

• Adults (18 years and above)

• Minors (application filed through parents or legal guardians)

• Government Employees

Why Is a Name Change Gazette Necessary?

Changing a name is a legal process, not just a personal decision. Government authorities require official proof to ensure authenticity and prevent identity fraud.

A Gazette for Name Change is necessary because:

• It serves as legal proof of your new name

• It is mandatory for updating Aadhaar, Passport, PAN, Bank Accounts

• It is required for service records, property documents, school certificates

• It resolves spelling mistakes and name mismatches permanently

• Without a Gazette, most name changes are not accepted

🔗 Detailed guide: Gazette for name change

Difference Between State Gazette and Central Gazette

Central Gazette vs State Gazette (Explained Simply):

• Issued By:
  Central Gazette – Government of India
  State Gazette – State Government

• Acceptance:
  Central Gazette – Valid all over India
  State Gazette – Valid only within the state

• Passport & Visa:
  Central Gazette – Accepted
  State Gazette – Not accepted

• Aadhaar Update:
  Central Gazette – Accepted
  State Gazette – Not accepted

• Government Jobs:
  Central Gazette – Central & State jobs
  State Gazette – State jobs only

• Processing Time:
  Central Gazette – 30–45 days
  State Gazette – 60–70 days

Expert Advice: Always choose the Central Gazette to avoid future issues.

🔗 Official Central Gazette portal: Central Gazette

The 3-Step Legal Process for Gazette Name Change

The gazette name change process follows a legally defined structure. Missing even one step can lead to rejection.

🔗 Full overview: gazette name change

Step 1: Prepare a Name Change Affidavit

An affidavit is a sworn declaration stating that both the old and new names belong to the same person.

Affidavit must include:

• Old name and new name

• Full address

• Date of birth

• Reason for name change (marriage, correction, religion, etc.)

• Declaration that both names refer to the same person

The affidavit is prepared on ₹10 or ₹20 stamp paper and notarized.

Expert Tip: Keep 4–5 photocopies for future use.

Step 2: Publish a Newspaper Advertisement

You must publish a name change advertisement in one local newspaper.

Advertisement must contain:

• Old name and new name

• Address

• Statement confirming both names belong to the same person

• Advertisement text must be in English

Expert Tip: Preserve at least 4–5 newspaper copies.

Step 3: Submit Gazette Application Form

Submit the Gazette name change application along with supporting documents to the Department of Publication (Delhi).

Documents required for submission:

• Gazette application form

• Affidavit

• Newspaper advertisement

• Two passport-size photographs

• Identity proof (Aadhaar / PAN / Passport / Voter ID)

• CD containing MS Word file of name change matter

• Government fee receipt from Bharatkosh

🔗 Official payment portal: Bharatkosh

Common Reasons for Gazette Application Rejection

• Newspaper advertisement older than 6 months

• Incorrect MS Word formatting in CD

• Use of whitener or overwriting

• Incorrect photo format

• Name mismatch with ID proof

Expert Advice: Double-check every document before submission.

Documents Required for Gazette Name Change

To ensure smooth processing, prepare the following documents carefully:

• Name change application form

• Name change affidavit

• Newspaper advertisement

• Identity proof (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, Voter ID)

• CD with MS Word file

• Fee receipt from Bharatkosh

Government Fees & Time for Gazette Name Change

Approximate Government Fees & Timelines:

• Simple Name Change (Adult): ₹1,100 | 30–40 days

• Name Change After Marriage: ₹1,100 | 30–40 days

• Public Notice / Correction: ₹1,400 | 30–40 days

• Minor Name Change: ₹1,700 | 40–45 days

How to Pay Gazette Name Change Fees Online

Follow these steps on the Bharatkosh portal:

1. Visit Bharatkosh website

2. Choose Quick Payment (Non-Registered User)

3. Select Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs

4. Select “Cell of Gazette (PAO Printing, New Delhi)”

5. Enter fee amount

6. Enter remarks as “Name Change”

7. Make payment via UPI / card / net banking

8. Download and save receipt

Expert Tip: Keep multiple copies of the receipt.

How to Check and Download Gazette Notification

• Visit Central Gazette website

• Search by Gazette Category

• Select WEEKLY GAZETTE → PART IV

• Choose Saturday publication date

• Download PDF and search your name

Expert Tip: Save the PDF and print multiple copies.

How to Update Your Name After Gazette Publication

Once published, update your name in the following documents:

• Aadhaar Card – UIDAI website or Aadhaar center

• PAN Card – NSDL / UTIITSL

• Passport – Passport Seva Kendra

• Bank Accounts – Branch visit

• Driving License – Parivahan portal or RTO

Gazette Name Change After Marriage

Women changing their surname after marriage must publish a Gazette notification.

Additional documents required:

• Marriage certificate

• Wife’s ID proof

• Husband’s ID proof

• Passport-size photographs of both

Name Change After Divorce or Religious Conversion

In cases of divorce or religious conversion, Gazette notification is mandatory.

Additional documents:

• Divorce decree (if applicable)

• Religious change affidavit (if applicable)

• Identity and address proof

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I change my name in the Gazette again?

Yes, but the entire legal process must be repeated.

Is Gazette notification valid for life?

Yes. A Gazette notification is valid permanently.

Is Gazette required for spelling correction?

For major mismatches, Central Gazette is the safest option.

Do I need to visit Delhi personally?

No. Applications can be sent by registered post from anywhere in India.

What are official Central Gazette fees?

Adults: ₹1,100 | Minors: ₹1,700 | Govt Employees: ₹1,400

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